Method of preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced alopecia

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates, in general, to a method of inhibiting alopecia, or hair loss, and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting alopecia induced by chemotherapeutic agents. The invention further relates to a composition suitable for use in such a method. Active agents for use in the above method include proteinaceous growth factors, such as EGF, and/or vitamin D 3  or metabolites thereof.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/903,829, filed on Jun. 24, 1992, now abandoned, which is CIP of Ser. No. 07/810,412 filed Dec. 20, 1991, now abandoned, which is a CIP of Ser. No. 07/786,788, filed Nov. 1, 1991, now abandoned, which is a CIP of Ser. No. 07/722,500, filed Jun. 28, 1991, now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to a method of preventing or treating alopecia induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

BACKGROUND

Alopecia is a common and distressing side effect of many chemotherapeutic agents and for which there is currently no effective preventive measure. In a recent study, thirty-five of forty-six patients receiving chemotherapy ranked alopecia as more important than vomiting (Tierney et al, B. J. Cancer, 62:527-528, 1990).

Recently, using the young rat model, Applicants demonstrated that ImuVert, a biologic response modifier prepared from the bacterium Serratia marcescens, protected the animals from alopecia induced by cytosine arabinoside or adriamycin (Hussein et al, Science 249: 1564-1566, 1990). In subsequent studies, similar protection from ARA-C-induced alopecia was observed from recombinant interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta (Jimenez et al FASEB J. 1991).

The present invention provides an independent method of preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced alopecia. This method involves the use of a growth factor, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) or fibroblast growth factor (FGF). It should be noted that, as far as Applicants are aware, ImuVert has not been shown to stimulate the production of EGF or FGF, nor has it been proposed to stimulate such production.

The present invention also relates to the use of Vitamin D₃, or a metabolite thereof, alone or in combination with EGF to prevent or treat alopecia. Vitamin D₃ is absorbed after ingestion of fish liver oils or irradiated yeast. Plants and animal sources contain only the inactive vitamin D precursors, 7 -dehydrocholesterol or ergosterol. 7-Dehydrocholesterol is stored in the skin and can be converted by sunlight into vitamin D₃. However, whether ingested or formed by ultraviolet irradiation in the skin, Vitamin D has to be transformed into active metabolites. Vitamin D₃ is converted to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol by liver enzymes. Then in the kidneys two compounds 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol are formed. The vitamin D active metabolites play an important role in the absorption of calcium from the intestinal tract, bone deposition and bone reabsorptiono

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃, an active metabolite of Vitamin D₃, has been shown to increase EGF receptors on breast cancer cells (Falette et al, Molec. and Cell. Endocrinol., 63 (1-2):189-198, 1989) and on a cell line established from rat calvaria (Petkovich et al, J. Biol. Chem. 262 (28): 13424-13428, 1987). However, as far as Applicants are aware, the effect of Vitamin D₃ or a metabolite thereof, on alopecia has not been shown or proposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the invention to provide a method of treating or preventing alopecia. It is a specific object of the invention to prevent or treat alopecia in patients undergoing treatment with chemotherapeutic agents, including cycle specific agents (such as cytosine arabinoside (ARA-C)) and non cycle specific agents (such as Cytoxan), individually or in combination.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be clear from the description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a photograph of 10 rats from Experiment I, Table I (see below). All rats received ARA-C 50 mg/kg×7 days. Five rate on top received buffer solution s.c. Five rats on bottom received murine EGF 2 μg s.c. daily×7 days.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of 6 rats from Experiment III, Table I (see below). All rats received ARA-C 50 mg/kg×7 days. Three rats on top received buffer solution S.C. Three rats on bottom received rHu-EGF 2 μg s.c. daily×7 days.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of 4 rats from topical murine-EGF experiment (see below). All rats received ARA-C 50 mg/kg×7 days. Two rats on the left received murine EGF 10 μg in DMSO daily×7 days rubbed topically between the shoulder blades over an area of 1 cm². Two rats on the right received buffer solution topically.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of 12 rats from ARA-C-aFGF experiment (see below). All rats received ARA-C 50 mg/kg×7 days. Six rats on top received buffer solution s.c. Six rats on bottom received aFGF 2 μg s.c. daily×7 days.

FIG. 5 is a photograph of 8 rats treated with combination chemotherapy Cytoxan and Adriamycin. Four rats on top treated in addition with murine EGF. Four rats on bottom treated with buffer solution.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of 10 rats treated with VP-16. All rats received 1.5 mg/kg×3 days i.p. of VP-16. Five rats on top received buffer solution for four days prior to treatment. Five rats on bottom received Vitamin D₃ 50 μg/day for 4 days for four days prior to treatment.

FIG. 7 is a photograph of 6 rats treated with combination chemotherapy Cytoxan and Adriamycin (25 mg/kg i.p.×1 day and 2.5 mg/kg i.p.×3 days, respectively). Three rats on top received buffer solution for four days prior to treatment. Three rats on bottom received Vitamin D₃ 50 μg/day for four days prior to treatment.

FIG. 8(A-C). For each experiment, five day old rats were randomly divided into equal numbers. The experimental group of rats (top group) received 0.2 μg of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in 0.15 ml of absolute ethanol daily over the head and neck for 5 days. Control rats (bottom group) were similarly treated with 0.15 ml of absolute ethanol. One day after the last topical treatment, the rats from FIG. 8A were treated with Cytoxan (CTX), rats from FIG. 8B with the Etoposide (VP-16) regimen and rats from FIG. 8C with CTX+Adriamycin (ADM) regimen.

FIG. 9. Twenty 5-day old rats were randomly divided into two groups of 10 rats each. The experimental group of rats (top group) received 0.1 μg of 1,25(OH)2D₃ in 0.1 ml of absolute ethanol daily over the head only for 5 days. Control rats (bottom group) were similarly treated with 0.1 ml of absolute ethanol. One day after the last topical treatment, all rats were treated with the VP-16 regimen.

FIG. 10. Thirteen 9-day old rats were randomized into two groups. Experimental, 7 rats (top group), received 1 μg of RO 23-7553 in 0.2 ml absolute ethanol daily topically over the neck and back for 6 days. Control, 6 rats (bottom group), were similarly treated with 0.2 ml of absolute ethanol. One day after the last treatment all rats were treated with the VP-16 regimen.

FIG. 11, shows the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ on hair growth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method of preventing or reducing alopecia, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Applicants have shown that a growth factor, such as EGF, and Vitamin D₃ appear to render the hair follicle resistant to the toxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents thus preventing hair loss.

In one embodiment of the present method, a growth factor is administered to a patient undergoing chemotherapy in an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce the hair loss that normally accompanies this treatment regimen.

Growth factors suitable for use in the present method include EGF, FGF, transforming growth factors (TGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The growth factors can be derived from natural sources (for example, human tissue or rodent tissue); however, recombinant production is preferred as large quantities can be produced at relatively low cost. Chemically synthesized factors can also be used. The use of portions or derivatives of growth factors, such as EGF and FGF, is also contemplated as long as those portions or derivatives can effect the same result observed with the factor itself.

In another embodiment of the present invention, Vitamin D₃ or metabolite, analog, derivative or structural variant thereof (for example 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol; 1 α-hydroxyvitamin D₃ ; 1 α-24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, MC 903, etc.) is administered to a warm blooded animal, for example, a human, in an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce the hair loss or stimulate hair growth. Hair loss treatable or preventable using vitamin D₃ can be due to chemotherapy or other cause. Examples of Vitamin D₃ metabolites suitable for use in the present method include, but are not limited to, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne cholecalciferol.

Compositions suitable for use in the claimed method include as an active agent a growth factor, Vitamin D₃ (or a metabolite or analog thereof) or a combination of both. Such compositions can be formulated by combining an active agent together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle (carrier, diluent or excipient), in an amount sufficient to effect the preventative effect when administered in accordance with an appropriately designed treatment protocol. The composition can be in dosage unit form.

Though not limiting the present method to a particular mode of action, it is suggested that Vitamin D₃ protects against alopecia by increasing the receptors for EGF at the hair follicle level. Accordingly, administering a combination of a growth factor and Vitamin D₃ can be expected to provide for greater protection.

Compositions suitable for use in the method to which the invention relates can be in a form suitable for topical administration. In that event, the composition can take the form of a solution, lotion, cream, gel or ointment. When the composition is to be administered by injection, it advantageously takes the form of a solution. The vehicle used, regardless of the form taken by the composition, can be inert or can itself possess a physiologically or pharmaceutically beneficial effect.

Various additives can be included in the composition. In this regard, inclusion in the composition of an agent that stimulates production of the patients' own growth factor is contemplated. Inclusion in compositions suitable for topical administration of penetration enhancing agents, such as DMSO or ethanol, is preferred. Stabilizers that extend shelf life can also be included in the composition, regardless of the manner in which it is formulated.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that various concentrations of growth factor and/or Vitamin D₃ can be used in the above-described composition. Optimum concentrations can be readily determined by one skilled in the art.

As noted above, the method to which the invention relates can involve either topical application of the active agent (a growth factor and/or Vitamin D₃ or metabolite thereof) or administration by injection. The amount of the active agent and the frequency of administration can vary depending on the individual and can readily be optimized by one skilled in the art. As an example, however, a solution of 2-100 μg/ml of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in absolute ethanol can be prepared and 3-5 ml of that solution applied directly to the scalp at various points with a dropper followed by scalp message for 3-5 min to ensure even distribution. When chemotherapy is involved, this treatment is, advantageously, administered once or twice daily beginning 5-8 days prior to initiation of chemotherapy and continued through the course of chemotherapy. However, it is also contemplated that the active agent can be administered substantially simultaneously with, or subsequent to, the administration of the chemotherapeutic agent.

The method to which the invention relates is shown in the Examples that follow to be effective when the cell cycle specific drug, ARA-C, is the chemotherapeutic agent used and when the combination of Adriamycin (cell cycle specific) and Cytoxan (non cell cycle specific) is used. It is contemplated, however, that, using the present method, hair loss resulting from treatment with other chemotherapeutic agents can be prevented.

The alopecia preventative effect observed by Applicants was wholly unexpected. Growth factors, such as EGF, are presumed stimulants of skin cell growth. Accordingly, these agents would be expected to induce the hair follicle to enter the cell cycle thus rendering the follicle more susceptible to chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cell cycle specific drugs, such as ARA-C. Thus, administration of growth factors to patients receiving chemotherapy would have been expected to aggravate hair loss. The reverse effect, however, was achieved. It should be noted therefore that the observations recorded herein with EGF and FGF are novel and have not been proposed or described in the literature. Similarly, nothing about the role of Vitamin D₃ in the body suggested that the vitamin would provide such excellent protection against alopecia, chemotherapeutically induced or otherwise.

The following non-limiting Examples describe certain aspects of the invention in greater detail.

EXAMPLES

The following experimental details relate to Examples I-IV set forth below.

Sprague Dawley rats were purchased from Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, Mass. Cytosar-U (ARA-C) was from the Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Mich. Receptor grade EGF from mouse submaxillary glands, human recombinant EGF, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and Vitamin D₃ were purchased from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo. aFGF was purchased from AMGEN Corp., Thousand Oaks, Calif.

All rats from each experiment were treated with ARA-C 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) daily for 7 days. For subcutaneous (s.c.) injections, EGF and FGF were prepared in PBS 1% BSA. Alopecia was always recorded on day 12 of experiment, and scored as previously described (Hussein et al, Science, 249:1564-1566, 1990; Jimenez et al, FASEB J., 1991).

For topical treatment, murine EGF was prepared as follows: One vial of EGF (100 μg) was dissolved in 0.2 ml of PBS 1% BSA and 0.12 ml of this solution was added to 0.48 ml of DMSO. Three hours prior to ARA-C injection, 0.1 ml of the EGF-DMSO mixture was applied to each rat over a 1 cm² area between the shoulders using a rubber tip applicator. Rats were then kept individually separated for a period of three hours, following which the treated area was carefully washed with soap and water and dried. Treatment was continued for 7 days. Control animals were similarly treated using DMSO without EGF.

Example I Protective Effect of EGF

Two separate experiments were conducted to test the ability of murine EGF to protect from ARA-C-induced alopecia. In Experiment I, twenty-two 7-day old rats were randomized in two groups of eleven rats each. In addition to ARA-C, Group I received 2 μg of mouse EGF s.c. in the back between the two hind legs 3 hours prior to ARA-C injections daily for 7 days. Group II, received buffer solution similarly and served as control. Ten of eleven rats in Group II developed virtually total body alopecia and one rat developed more than 50% hair loss. In contrast, in Group I, 5 rats had no detectable hair loss and 6 rats had mild hair loss (Table I, Experiment I (FIG. 1)). In Experiment II, twelve 7-day old rats were randomized in two groups of 6 rats each. In addition to ARA-C, Group I received mouse EGF 1 μg s.c. daily for 7 days. Group II received buffer s.c. All 6 rats in Group II developed moderately severe to severe alopecia, whereas in Group I, one rat had no detectable hair loss and 5 rats developed only minimal hair loss (Table I, Experiment II).

For the next experiment, rHu-EGF was used. Twelve 7-day old rats were randomized in two groups of six rats each. In addition to ARA-C, Group I received rHu-EGF 2 μg s.c. in the flank area daily for 7 days. Group II received buffer s.c. All 6 rats in Group II developed total body alopecia, whereas in Group I none of the rats had total body alopecia, one rat had no detectable hair loss, four rats had mild alopecia and one rat had moderate alopecia (Table I, Experiment III, (FIG. 2)).

                  TABLE I                                                          ______________________________________                                         OCCURRENCE OF ALOPECIA IN RATS TREATED WITH                                    ARA-C. EFFECT OF MURINE EGF AND rHU-EGF.                                                       Alopecia*                                                                      0    1+      2+      3+                                        ______________________________________                                                         Experiment I                                                   ARA-C             0      0       1     10                                      ARA-C + Murine EGF 2 μg                                                                       5      6       0     0                                                       Experiment II                                                  ARA-C             0      0       3     3                                       ARA-C + Murine EGF 1 μg                                                                       1      5       0     0                                                       Experiment III                                                 ARA-C             0      0       0     6                                       ARA-C + rHu-EGF 2 μg                                                                          1      4       1     0                                       Seven day old rats were used for all experiments,                              All rats received ARA-C 50 mg/kg × 7 days I.P. in 0.1 ml.                Murine EGF and rHu-EGF in PBS 14 BSA were given 3 hours                        prior to ARA-C once daily in 0.1 ml s.c. × 7 days.                       Controls received PBS 1% BSA 0.1 ml s.c. × 7 days.                       Data recorded on day 12.                                                       ______________________________________                                          *No detectable alopecia, 0; mild alopecia defined as less than 50% hair        loss, 1+; moderately severe alpopecia with more than 50% hair loss, 2+;        and total or virtually total (>90%) hair loss, 3+.                       

In the next experiment, twelve 7-day old rats were randomized in two groups of six rats each. Group I, in addition to ARA-C, received murine-EGF 10 μg in DMSO daily×7 days rubbed topically with a cotton tip applicator between the shoulder blades over an area of 1 cm². Group II received control solution topically. In Group II, all six rats developed complete body alopecia. In Group I, all rats developed complete body alopecia except where the EGF was applied topically (FIG. 3).

Example II Protective Effect of aFGF

Fourteen 7-day old rats were randomized in two groups. All rats received ARA-C 50 mg/kg/day for seven days. In addition, Group I received aFGF 2 μg s.c. on back of head daily for seven days. Group II received buffer injections and served as controls. Alopecia was recorded on day 12 of experiment. All rats in Group II developed complete body alopecia. In contrast, all rats in Group I were protected locally at the site of injection (FIG. 4).

Example III Protection from Cytoxan/Adriamycin-Induced Alopecia

Eight 4-day old Sprague Dawley rats were randomized in two groups of 4 rats each. Group I, received EGF 2μ s.c. on the head daily for 7 days. Group II received buffer injections and served as controls. One day after stopping EGF or buffer injections all rats received Cytoxan 25 mg/kg i.p.×1 day and Adriamycin 2.5 mg/kg i.p.×3 days. In Group II, all rats had 3+ alopecia over head and neck area. In contrast, in Group I one rat had mild alopecia, one rat minimal alopecia, and two rats no detectable alopecia over head and neck. (FIG. 5). ImuVert when used under similar conditions did not protect from alopecia caused by the Cytoxan/Adriamycin combination.

Example IV Protective Effect of Vitamin D₃

Twelve 7 day old rats were randomized in two groups. Group I was treated daily with buffer 0.1 ml s.c. for four days. The second Group was treated daily with Vitamin D₃ 50μg s.c. over head for four days. After stopping the buffer or Vitamin D₃ treatment, all rats received 1.5 mg/kg i.p. of VP-16 (Etoposide) daily for three days. All rats in Group I developed complete body alopecia while the rats in Group II were protected (FIG. 6 shows 4 rats from each group).

In other experiments, rats pretreated with Vitamin D₃ demonstrated excellent protection against alopecia produced by Etoposide, Cytoxan, Cytarabine and the combination of Cytoxan and Adriamycin (FIG. 7). The results are set forth below in Table II.

                  TABLE II                                                         ______________________________________                                         PROTECTION FROM CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED                                           ALOPECIA BY PRETREATMENT WITH VITAMIN D.sub.3.                                 Alopecic     Total No. of                                                                              Total No. Protection                                   drug tested  experiments                                                                               of animals                                                                               from alopecia                                ______________________________________                                         Etoposide (VP-16)                                                                           2          22        Yes*                                         Cytoxan (CTX)                                                                               7          89        Yes*                                         Cytarabine (ARA-C)                                                                          1           8        Yes*                                         Adriamycin + CTX                                                                            6          77        Yes*                                         Combination                                                                    Chemotherapeutic agents were given as follows: VP-16 1.5 mg/kg                 i.p. daily for 3 days; Cytoxan 32.5 mg/kg as a single injection;               ARA-C 50 mg/kg i.p. daily for 7 days; for combination (Adria-                  mycin 2.5 mg/kg i.p. daily for 3 days plus Cytoxan 25 mg/kg as                 a single injection). Vitamin D.sub.3 was given in 50 μg daily doses         i.p. or s.c. for 4 days prior to chemotherapy.                                 ______________________________________                                          *In these experiments, protection from chemotherapyinduced alopecia was        uniformly observed in all animals treated with Vitamin D.sub.3 -         

In other experiments, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ applied topically (0.5 μg daily) in 50% ethanol or DMSO also protected rats from VP-16-induced alopecia.

Example V Protective Effect of Vitamin D₃ Pretreatment

Topical Application of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ :

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ was dissolved in absolute ethanol and applied topically with an applicator. Control animals were similarly treated with the same amount of ethanol. Animals were then kept individually separated for a period of three hours following which the treated area was carefully washed with soap and water and dried. Treatment was given daily beginning on day 5 after birth and ending on day 10.

Chemotherapy:

All chemotherapies were given I.P. and started at 11 days of age. CTX, 35 mg/kg, was given for one day only. VP-16, 1.5 mg/kg, was given for three days. For CTX and ADM combination, CTX, 25 mg/kg was given for one day and ADM, 2.5 mg/kg, for three days. At these doses neither CTX nor ADM alone will produce alopecia. Alopecia was recorded on the tenth day from beginning chemotherapy.

A total of 4 experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, protection from Cytoxan-induced alopecia was examined. The experimental group was pretreated with 0.2 μg of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in 0.15 ml of absolute ethanol applied topically over the head and neck and the control group received 0.15 ml of alcohol. All 10 rats in the control group became totally alopecic. In contrast, all animals in the experimental group were protected (FIG. 8A). The second experiment was carried out under similar conditions to examine protection from VP-16-induced alopecia. All 10 rats in the control group developed total body alopecia. In contrast, all rats in the experimental group were protected (FIG. 8B). The third experiment was designed to examine protection from alopecia induced by Cytoxan-Adriamycin combination. There were 11 rats in each group. Six rats in the control group developed alopecia over the head and neck and 5 rate developed total body alopecia. In contrast, all rats in the experimental group were protected (FIG. 8C). In the fourth experiment, protection from VP-16-induced alopecia was similarly examined except that the dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ was reduced to 0.1 μg in 0.1 ml absolute ethanol applied topically over the head area only. All 10 rats in the control group became completely alopecic. In contrast, all rats in the experimental group were protected primarily at the site of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ application (FIG. 9).

It is noteworthy that protection from 0.2 μg 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ was not limited to the site of application but involved the entire body, suggesting systemic absorption. When the dose was reduced to 0.1 μg applied to the head area only, protection from VP-16-induced alopecia was less generalized and was more limited to the site of application.

Example VI Protection from VP-16-Induced Alopecia by Topical Application of RO 23-7553

RO 23-7553 (1,25 dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol) was dissolved in absolute ethanol and applied topically with an applicator. Control animals were similarly treated with the same amount of ethanol. Animals were then kept individually separated for a period of three hours following which the treated area was carefully washed with soap and water and dried. Treatment was given daily beginning on day 9 after birth and ending on day 14.

On day 15 all animals received VP-16, 1.5 mg/kg i.p., for three days. Alopecia was recorded on day 25.

Thirteen rats were randomized in two groups. Experimental group, 7 rats; control group, 6 rats. The experimental group was pretreated with 1 μg of RO 23-7553 in 0.2 ml absolute ethanol applied topically over the neck and beck and the control group received 0.2 ml of absolute ethanol. All six rats in the control group became totally alopecic over the neck and beck. In contrast, all animals in the experimental group were protected (FIG. 10). It should be noted that when the chemotherapy is started at the age of 14 days, the head area does not become alopecic.

Example VII Stimulation of Hair Growth by Vitamin D₃

During the course of the above-described studies on the protection from chemotherapy-induced alopecia by Vitamin D₃ and its active analog, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, it was noted that rats treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ not only were protected from chemotherapy-induced alopecia, but these rats had a better coat of hair and longer hair in the treated area. These observations prompted the following further experiments on the stimulation of hair growth by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.

The becks of nineteen 25 day old Sprague Dawley rats were shaven and randomized in two groups.

Group I (control 10 rats) received 0.1 ml of ethanol applied topically once daily to the shaven area for 14 days.

Group II (Calcitriol 9 rats) received 50 ng of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in 0.1 ml of ethanol applied topically once daily to the shaven area for 14 days.

On day 15 stimulation of hair regrowth was assessed by reshaving an area 6 cm×6 cm in diameter. The hair was collected and weighed. The difference between two groups was highly statistically significant. P. value 0.003 (see Table III and FIG. 11).

                  TABLE III                                                        ______________________________________                                         STIMULATION OF HAIR GROWTH BY CALCITRIOL IN                                    RATS                                                                           Hair Weight in Mg.                                                             Control        Calcitriol                                                      ______________________________________                                          98            202                                                             131            143                                                              72            150                                                              84            253                                                             102            130                                                             144            177                                                             115            140                                                             129            147                                                             125            135                                                             130                                                                            Mean S.E.M.    Mean S.E.M.                                                     113 ± 8     164 ± 13                                                     ______________________________________                                    

Based on these data showing stimulation of hair growth by 1,23-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ administered topically in the rat, it is expected that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ can be used as a stimulant of hair growth in cases of alopecia of any cause. Additionally, the data suggest that vitamin D₃ and its metabolites is/are necessary for optimal hair growth and therefore can be used to prevent hair loss from any cause, including male pattern baldness.

Example VIII Formulations

The following are four formulations that include 1,25 -dihydroxyvitamin D₃ as active ingredient, and the methods of their manufacture.

    ______________________________________                                         1. TOPICAL SOLUTION                                                            Ingredients            % (W/W)                                                 ______________________________________                                         1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3                                                                         0.0002-0.10                                             Propylene Glycol       10.00                                                   Propylene Glycol       30.00                                                   Dicarprylate/Dicaprate.sup.a                                                   Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)                                                                        0.05                                                    Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)                                                                        0.05                                                    Ethyl Alcohol, Absolute q.s. to                                                                       100.00                                                  Manufacturing Procedure                                                        i.    Weigh the appropriate amount of propylene                                      glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, ethyl alcohol,                                   propylene glycol in a stainless steel container.                         ii.   Dissolve BHT and BHA into the solution from                                    step (i).                                                                iii.  Add the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 into the                                 mixture from step (ii) and stir until dissolved.                         ______________________________________                                         2. BUFFERED TOPICAL SOLUTION                                                   Ingredients            % (W/W)                                                 ______________________________________                                         1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3                                                                         0.0002-0.10                                             Propylene Glycol       50.00                                                   Hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel MF)                                                                   0.50                                                    Methylparaben          0.20                                                    Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)                                                                        0.05                                                    Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)                                                                        0.05                                                    Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic                                                                           0.43                                                    Sodium Phosphate Dibasic                                                                              0.70                                                    Sodium Hydroxide (q.s. to pH = 7)                                                                     0.04                                                    Ethyl Alcohol, 95% Proof                                                                              30.00                                                   Water q.s. to          100.00                                                  Manufacturing Procedure                                                        i.    Dissolve the sodium phosphate, monobasic,                                      sodium phosphate, dibasic, and sodium hydroxide in                             the water in a stainless steel container. Measure                              the pH of the solution. The pH of the solution                                 should be 7.0; if not adjust the pH.                                     ii.   Add the propylene glycol and ethyl alcohol                                     to the solution from step (i).                                           iii.  Dissolve the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3,                                    methylparaben, BHT and BRA to the solution from step                           (ii).                                                                    iv.   Dissolve Klucel MF to the solution from                                        step (iii).                                                              ______________________________________                                         3. OIL-IN WATER BUFFERED TOPICAL LOTION                                        Ingredients            % (W/W)                                                 ______________________________________                                         1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3                                                                         0.0002-0.10                                             Cetyl Alcohol          0.25                                                    Stearyl Alcohol        0.50                                                    Sorbitan Monosterate   2.00                                                    Glyceryl Monostearate and                                                                             4.00                                                    Polyoxyethylene Stearate Blend                                                 (Arlacel 165)                                                                  Polysorbate 60         1.00                                                    Mineral Oil            4.00                                                    Propylene Glycol       5.00                                                    Butylated Hydroxyanisole                                                                              0.05                                                    Propylparaben          0.05                                                    Buffering Agent q.s. to pH                                                                            7.00                                                    Sorbitol Solution      2.00                                                    Edetate Disodium       0.10                                                    Methylparaben          0.18                                                    Water q.s. to          100.00                                                  Manufacturing Procedure                                                        i.    Prepare the buffer solution (pH 7.0) in a                                      stainless steel container.                                               ii.   In a stainless steel vessel, at 70° C., melt                            the cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, sorbitan                                   monostearate, Arlacel 165, Polysorbate 60, mineral                             oil, butylated hydroxyanisole, propylparaben, and                              50% propylene glycol together.                                           iii.  Add the sorbitol solution to step (i) and                                      heat the solution to 70° C.                                       iv.   Add the edetate disodium and methylparaben                                     to the solution from step (iii).                                         v.    Dissolve the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 in                                  approximately 40% propylene glycol in a beaker and                             add this to the material from step (ii) while                                  mixing. Rinse the container from lot propylene                                 glycol and add this to the mixture from step (ii).                       vi.   Add step (v) to step (iv) when both phases                                     are at 70° C. and homogenize. Cool the emulsion to                      200 m temperature.                                                       ______________________________________                                         4. TOPICAL GEL                                                                 Ingredients            % (W/W)                                                 ______________________________________                                         1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3                                                                         0.0002-0.10                                             Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)                                                                        0.05                                                    Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BRA)                                                                        0.05                                                    Hydroxypropyl Cellulose                                                                               3.00                                                    Ethyl Alcohol, 95% Proof                                                                              50.00                                                   Water q.s. to          100.00                                                  Manufacturing Procedure                                                        i.    Weigh the ethyl alcohol and water in a                                         stainless steel container.                                               ii.   Dissolve the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3, BHT                                and BHA to the solution from step (i).                                   iii.  Dissolve the hydroxypropyl cellulose to                                        the solution from step (ii).                                             ______________________________________                                          .sup.a Can be substituted by the following materials (1) medium chain          triglycerides; 2) dimethyl isosorbide; (3) polyethylene glycols; (4)           ethoxydiglycol                                                           

The entire contents of all references cited above are incorporated herein by reference.

While the present invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia comprising administering to a host treated with at least one chemotherapeutic agent which induces such alopecia an effective amount of vitamin D₃ or derivative or analog or active metabolite thereof.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said derivative, analog or active metabolite is selected from the group consisting of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said vitamin D₃, derivative analog or active metabolite thereof is administered topically.
 4. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is cell cycle specific.
 5. The method according to claim 4 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is cytosine arabinoside.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is non-cell cycle specific.
 7. The method according to claim 6 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is Cytoxan.
 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is a cell cycle specific agent in combination with a non cell cycle specific agent.
 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein vitamin D₃, or derivative or analog or active metabolite thereof, is administered prior to the initiation of said chemotherapy.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vitamin D₃, derivative or analog or active metabolite thereof is administered by topically applying the same to the host prior to administering said chemotherapy.
 11. The method according to claim 1 wherein said derivative, analog or active metabolite is selected from the group consisting of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol and is administered topically.
 12. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is cell cycle specific and said derivative, analog or active metabolite is selected from the group consisting of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is cell cycle specific and said vitamin D₃ or derivative, analog or active metabolite thereof is administered topically.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is cell cycle specific and comprising administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.
 15. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is non cell cycle specific and said derivative, analog or active metabolite is selected from the group consisting of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol.
 16. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is non cell cycle specific and said vitamin D₃ or derivative, analog or active metabolite thereof is administered topically.
 17. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is non cell cycle specific and comprising administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.
 18. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is a cell cycle specific agent in combination with a non cell cycle specific agent and said derivative, analog or active metabolite is selected from the group consisting of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol.
 19. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is a cell cycle specific agent in combination with a non cell cycle specific agent and said vitamin D₃ or derivative, analog or active metabolite thereof is administered topically.
 20. The method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is a cell cycle specific agent in combination with a non cell cycle specific agent and comprising administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.
 21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vitamin D₃, or derivative or analog or active metabolite thereof is administered by topically applying the same to the host prior to administering said chemotherapy and said derivative, analog or active metabolite is selected from the group consisting of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol.
 22. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vitamin D₃, or derivative or analog or active metabolite thereof is administered by topically applying the same to the host prior to administering said chemotherapy and comprising administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.
 23. The method according to claim 1 comprising administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.
 24. The method according to claim 1, comprising topically administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.
 25. The method according to claim 1, comprising topically administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and wherein said chemotherapeutic agent is cell cycle specific.
 26. The method according to claim 1, comprising topically administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is non cell cycle specific.
 27. The method according to claim 1, comprising topically administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is a cell cycle specific agent in combination with a non cell cycle specific agent.
 28. The method according to claim 1, comprising administering vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-cholecalciferol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ prior to the initiation of said chemotherapy.
 29. A method of reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia comprising administering to a patient undergoing chemotherapy with at least one chemotherapeutic agent 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in an effective amount.
 30. The method according to claim 29 wherein said 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ is administered topically.
 31. The method according to claim 29 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is cell cycle specific.
 32. The method according to claim 31 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is cytosine arabinoside.
 33. The method according to claim 29 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is non cell cycle specific.
 34. The method according to claim 33 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is Cytoxan.
 35. The method according to claim 31 wherein said at least one chemotherapeutic agent is a cell cycle specific agent in combination with a non cell cycle specific agent.
 36. The method according to claim 31 wherein the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ is administered prior to the initiation of said chemotherapy.
 37. The method according to claim 31, wherein the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ is administered by topical application to the host prior to administering said chemotherapy. 